Gyroscopic compass.



A. S. CHESSIN.

GYROSCOPIC COMPASS. APPUcATloN FILED DEc.14, 1908.

ATTORNE YS A. s. cHEsslN.

GYROSCOPIC COMPASS. APPLlcAlolN' man 050.14, 190s.

Patented Apr. 27, 1915.

191379258 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2 WITNESSES INVENTOH /LEXA/VE/P 5. LHE55//V M @ff- A. S. CHESSIN.

GYROSCOPIC COMPASS. APPLICATION HLED DEc.14. 190s.

1,1 37,258. Patented M1127, 1915.

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GYROSCOPIC COMPASS. APPLICATION HLED DEc.1 4.19os.

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Patented Apr. 27, 1915.

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INVENTOH ALEXANDER 5. CHL-55W sIN, a subject of the ALEXANDER s. cHEssIN,

oF NEW YORK, N. Y.

G-YROSCOPIC COMPASS.

To all whom t may concern Be it known that I, ALEXANDER S. CHES- Emperor of Russia, and resident of the borough of Manhattan, city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gyroscopic Compasses, of which the following is a speciication.'

i y' invention V relates to v gyroscopes and has for its object to provide a simple and eflicient construction for indicating the true ing precessional `operative position,

north-south direction with the aid of gyroscopic action, so that the apparatus may be employed as a reliable and advantageous substitute for the common magnetic ships compass.

One of the distinctive and important features of my gyroscopic compass is that it entirely eliminates all precessional motion of the apparatus. Any construction involvmotion, either designeclly, is impractical because it is or accidentally,

` gyroscopic liable to add or detract from the effect of the earths rotation, servation of results, to. require constant delicate readjustment and to conceal instrumental and other errors.

Another distinctive and important feature of my apparatus is that it affords means for starting the aXis of the spinning body in a position of perfect rest relatively to the earth. Failure to do this will introduce errors that cannot be estimated, even a slight to the axis of the resulting in prespinning body at the start cession and nutation.

A third important and of my invention is that it affords means for detaching the working apparatus from' the ships support and to carry it to and from the shore where all adjustments can be made with greatprecision. Other objects and useful features of my invention will appear from the description following hereinafter.

A gyroscopic compass embodying my invention. is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- 1 v Figure 1 is a front elevation of the appa` ratus in position for setting it, with parts in section; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the apparatus in operation; Fig. 3 isa plan view corresponding to Fig. 1, Fig. 4- is a plan view of the apparatus in a different with parts. in section; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed December 1 with bearings A for .trunnions C to confuse obdistinctive feature versal this purpose.

Patented Apr. 27, 1915.

4, 1908. Serial No. 467,361.

the electric motor; Fig. 6 is a cross section thereof; Fig. 7 is a face view of a micrometer adjustment looking from the inside; Fig. 8 is a cross section on line'.8*8 of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a detail of an elastic suspension. l

The instrument comprises a suitable base firmly secured to the ship and providedV the alined trunnions of a ring B. These trunnions are horizontal when the ship is at rest. The ring B is provided with bearings B2, placed in a line at a right angle with that of the trunnions B, and adapted to receive horizontal projected outwardly from an inner ring C; preferably the four trunnions are located in the same plane.

The detail construction of bearings and trunnions may be of any approved character. In the main ligures of the drawings the trunnions are shown as made with knifeedges resting in curved seats of Athe beari ings. In Fig. 9 the trunnions C are freely suspended by means of springs b the outer ends of which are secured to brackets b lcarried by the ring B while their inner ends are connected with a sleeve b2 through which t e trunnion passes. This construction allows ne ring C not only to rock upon its trunnions, but also to move lengthwise and transversely thereof, within the limits governed by the elasticity of the springs. A resilient suspension (which may beapplied to either the ring C or the ring B or both) is of especial advantage in the case of ships exposed to big'jars, such as caused by the firing of heavy guns.

he inner ring C, which forms a support for the working parts ofthe apparatus, is kept in a horizontal position by the unijoint construction described above, a weight C? being connected with said ring for In certain cases, as hereinafterl referred to, it may be desirable to temporarily lock the apparatus against movement, and this may be effected, stance, by means of four screws C3 arranged to be projected into engagement with,the Weight C2. Each screw C3 works in a nut C4 pivoted in brackets A2 projected from the base A. This construction allows the screws to be thrown down, out of the way of the weight, when not in use, as indicated in Fig. 2. The device may be leveled and. locked by means of these screws.

'Ihe ring C is provided with bearings C in a line at a right angle with the trunnions Cf, to receive trunnion pins D projecte from a ring In a line at a right angle to the trunnions D, the ring D has bearings for trunnions E projected from a frame E which may be of' a rectangular shape as shown and is symmetrical with respect to the axis indicated by the trunnions This frame' carries a gyroscope rotor of any suitable construction, and is provided with )ointers E2 indicating the axis of such rotor, which axis is at a right angle to that of the trunnions E. The drawings show a gyroscope consisting of a single-phase induction electric motor (with shading coils) operated by an alternating current. This motor coinprises .a rotary tield member F journaled in the frame E at F, in line with the pointers E2, and an armature member G, mounted to turn about an axis Gr likewise alining with the pointers E2. In the usual operation, the ield and armature revolve in opposite directions at the start, but one will almost immediately come to rest, the othercontinuing its spinning.

The axis E2, F', G may be vadjusted to any desired position by swinging the trame E on the trunnions E and the ring D on the trunnions This enables the apparatus to be set (betere starting the gyroscope). so that said axis E2, F, Gr will be parallel to the earths axis, and the rotation of the gyroscope rotor will then maintain the said axis E2, F, Gr in the same position irrespective of any .change of the ships course.

In order that current ,may be properly supplied to the 'motor whatever position the axis F2, F', Gr may occupy, the following arrangement of circuits may be employed: -fIhe trunnions B, which are suitably insulated oiie from the other, are connected with a suitable source of electricity as indicated in Fig. 4 and are connected as by wires a., a" with the trunnions C', which are again connected by Wires c with the trunnions Dv from which wires d lead to the trunnions Ffconnected by Wires i the trunnions F of the field member F From these last named trunnions wires f, f lead to the coils f2 which are constructed as laminated shading coils, that is, they are provided with frames faof brass or other non-inagnetic material, surrounding a portion f* of the field magnet poles. do not Iclaim any novelty for the construction of this electric motor per se.

As a guide for adjusting the apparatus so that the aXis E2, F', Gr will be parallel to the earths axis, I provide the following device, which is removable from the ap- H is set on top of the ring C, being suitablv positioned on the ring'C, the latter being preferably locked in a level to-tlie (stationary) ring e with.

shi `fted along position as by means oi the screws C3. The adjustment is made ,in port, wheny the ship is relatively steady. The ring H carries rigidly a graduated limb H and is set on the ring C in a predetermined position governed by the proper marks or registering devices on both rings, such as points fitting corresponding sockets of the ring H. These devices also prevent accidental displacement o the ring H circumterentially during the adjusting operation of the ring, although in some cases the mere weight ot the ring and of the parts it carries may be sutlicient to prevent such movement. Upon the ring is adjustable circuinterentially, the alidade ring J, suitably guided for this purpose. The alidade ring carries a meridian arc K, steadied by brackets L. The coarse adjustment ot' the ring J relatively His obtained manually, the brackets allording convenient handholds. Then a block or nut M, which previously was stationary, is locked to the ring J by means of the screw' M, and a tine adjustment is obtained by turning the screw N which abuts against the block M and turns in a the other side of the block being engage by a spring-pressed plunger H3 sliding in a bracket H4 (Fig. 7). From data obtaine in any manner, the arc K is set in the meridian of the place. A clamp O is adjustable along the arc K, and is provided with a set screw O adapted to engage the inner edge of the arc. rI'he set screw has a centra projection O2 recessed tor receiving the end of one of the pointers When the clamp 'is fully released, the screw clears the path the latitude data oi" said pointer. From from tables, the

obtained by observation or clamp O is shifted to the proper point on the scale of the meridian aic i, and then the gyroscope frame is adjusted to bring oneof the pointers F2 inregistry with the screw The latter is then 'turned so as to lock the clamp O and at the same time bring the socket O2. over the pointer E2, thus holding the gyroscope axis parallel with the earths axis. rI`he clamp may also be used as a means for bringing the gyroscope axis to the desired position. For this purpose, the clamp v(while released) is shifted along the arc K until the pointer E2 registers with the socliretv O2. Then the screw O is turned slightly so as to bring the socket into engagement with the-pointer, but not enough to hold the clamp stationary on the arc K. Thereupon the clamp is the arc to the desired position, the pointer E2 sharing this movement. he screw O is then turned farther to lock the clamp as described above. The gyroscope having been started, the screw O is turned to release the pointer E2, and the entire device connected wth the ring H is removed bracket H2 rigid with the ring I graduated circle P3 lao . by the `volving), the

from the apparatus. I now substitute for said device, an indicator consisting of a transparent globe or rather hemisphere P, aving m'eridianlines P and circles of latitude P2; the latter may be omitted. The edge of this globe is inserted in a groove' CT of the ring C, and a compass-card or (which may b nently attached to the globe) is located adjacent to the globes edge. ach meridian ine P may therefore be identied readily corresponding mark of the graduated circle P3, the latter remaining in the same relation to the ring C during the entire voyage of the ship. Of course it is best to place the zero of the compass scale in the longitudinal aXis of the ship.

When the ship starts on her voyage (during which the gyroscope rotor is kept reinitial course (or departure) will be indicated on thecompass-card P3 by the meridian line P with which the pointer E2 registers. The aXis E2, G al registering meridian line P from that noted at the start. In other Words, the pointer E2 in conjunctionyvith the meridian linesv Pand compass-card or graduated circle P3 will have the same function as an ordinary magnetic compass. It Will, hovvever,.be superior in that it keeps its true north-south direction irrespective of magnetic conditions (both of the earth and of the ship or cargo) and is much less affected by the ships movement. Moreover, my gyindicates the ships latide at any mo1nent,by reference to the parallel circles P2.

from the ring B, as by swinging aside the straps B3 which normally extend over the trunnions C. During the comparatively short time required for the vtransfer of the gyroscope from the shore to the ship, the momentum would suce to keep the gyroscope in motion.

4It will be seen that the electrical connections are broken when the ring C', etc., is removed from the ring B, but as soon as the gyroscope, With its upon the ring B, the electrical connections at the tru-unions C cally and the current Will flow through the gyrostat motor to keep it spinning.

In the particular construction shown, the globe P together With the hemispherical carrier C8 of the Weight C2 form a chamber which may be made air tight by the are vrestored automatiy employment of suitable joints and from which air can be exhausted by means of a suction connection applied to the nipple C9. his Will reduce the resistance Which the air opposes tothe rotation of the gyroscope rotor, which reduction Will be particularly important during. the time that the apparatus 1s being carried from the shore to thev Ppa' he apparatus may, of course, be used for other purposes Wherever it is desired to keep a certain line parallel to a given direction.

I claim as my invention: l. The combination of a support having a universal suspension, a frame,.means for effecting a universal connection of said adjustable circumferentially of the support:

guide in positioning the rotor, and a clamp on said arc for holding the justed position. l

3. The combination of a support, means for effecting a universal suspension of said support, a frame, means for effecting a universal connection of said frame With said a guide 1n positioning the rotor,

support, a gyroscope rotor mounted to rotate in saidv frame, an arc, adjustable circumferentially of said support, to serveas a guide in positioning the rotor, and a clamp, adjustable along said arc, for holding the rotor in its adjusted position.

employ adjustable Weights rotor in its adjusted posi'- versal co nection of said frame withsaid ring, (and a gyroscope rotor mounted tol support, a gyroscope rotor mounted to rorotate in said frame. tate in said frame, and a globe connected 10. The combination of a horizontal with said support to move in unison theregraduated circle, a vertical graduated are 5 with and having a. series of meridians for Vadjustable circumferentially of said hori- 55 indicating the position of the gyroscopes zontal circle about a vertical axis, a frame, axis. y means for eifecting a universal connection 6. rlhe combination of a support, means of said frame with said horizontal circle,

for effecting a universal suspension of said saidl means comprising only two pivot joints support, a frame, means for effecting a uniwhose axes are at right angles to each other, 60

versal connection of said frame with said and a gyroscope rotor mounted to rotate in support, a gyroscope rotor mounted to rotate said frame. about an axis stationary relain said frame, anda transparent globe contively to said frame.

, nected with said support to'move in unison 11. rlhe combination of a support, means i5 therewith and having a series of meridians for effecting a universal suspension of said 65 for indicating the position o f the gyroscopes support, a frame, means for effecting a axis, the gyroscope being located within said universal connectionof said frame with said globe. support, a gyroscope rotor mounted to rotate 7. The combination of a support,means for in said frame, a graduated are adjustable port, a frame, means for efecting a univeras a guide in positioning the gyroscope relasal connection of said frame with said suptively to the arc, means connected with the port, a gyroscope rotor mounted to rotate in support for indicating the position of said said frame, a guide for positioning the rotor, arc relatively thereto, and a base from which effecting a universal suspension of said supcircumferentially of said support to serve 'lo 2'5 carried by said support and removable all of the aforesaid parts are removable to- 75 therefrom, and a globe arranged to be subgether so as to permit of the gyroscopes stituted for said guide, and having a series being adjusted while removed from the base l of meridians for indicating the position of and then again connected with it after adthe gyroscopes axis. justment.

for effecting a universal connection of said a fra-me in which it is 'mounted to rotate support w'th a fixed base, said means comabout an axis stationary relatively to sai prising only two pivot joints whose axes frame, a graduated horizontal ring, means are at right angles to each other, a frame, for eecting a universal supporting connecmeans for effecting a universal connection of tion between said frame and said ring2 s ai 85 said frame with said support, said means means comprising only two pivot joints `comprising only two pivot joints whose axes whose axes are at right angles to each other, are at right angles to each other, a gyroscope a graduated vertical arc adjustable circumrotor mounted `to rotate in said frame about ferentially of said graduated horizontal 8. The combination "of a support, means 12. The combination of a gyroscope rotor, 80

40 an axis stationary relatively to said frame, ring, all of the aforesaid parts being con- 9o an arc adjustable circumferentially of said nected, and a base on which all of the aforesupport, to serve as a guide in positioning said parts are supported and from4 whic the rotor, and means for holding the rotor in they are removable together.`

its adjusted position. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 9. The combination of a graduated circle, my hand and seal in the presence of two 9:

a concentric ring mounted to slide circumsubscribing witnesses. ferentially of said circle, a graduated arc ALEXANDER S. CHESSIN. carried by said ring and perpendicular to Witnesses: its plane, a frame, means for eecting a JOHN LOTKA, universal connection of said frame with said JOHN A. KEHLENBECK. 

